Children with Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Reviews

• Parents and Practitioners: The help you are seeking is here.

  
  By AX84SNIPUMYKK on 2003-05-12
  Please do yourself, your child, or your patients the monumental favor of reading, living, and practicing this book. Children with Starving Brains is an easy to read and comprehensive guide to the painfully complex issues surounding the causation, gastrointestinal pathology, toxicity, and evaluation process of working with children with Austism Spectrum Disorders.

  The book then deals extensively with the steps involved in healing the injuries. Dr. McCandless walks the reader through gastrointestinal healing measures, removing heavy metals, restoring proper immune function, and healing the STARVING brain.

  You will shake your head in amazement both at the amount of helpful and hopeful information in this book, as well as in absolute awe at the lack of comprehension that most medical, dental, and nursing practitioners have concerning the contemporary state of causation, pathology, and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

  I work in a practice that has successfully treated almost 100 children utilizing the principles outlined by Dr. McCandless. All the children have improved to varying degrees. Some have almost totally "recovered", others have shown islands of significant improvement, but ALL have responded positively.

  This is good, progressive, modern health care. It is not "alternative" treatment. It is correct treatment to address an acute illness or "insult" to a child's entire brain, body, and self. These interventions have also proven tremendously helpful in our treatment of 200 adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

  I especially appeal to my nursing colleagues: READ THIS BOOK. In so many situations, We are the professionals advising mothers about conception and prenatal care; administering immunizations; counseling parents about the use of antibiotics; teaching about dental care; providing care in pediatrician's offices, or in our own pediatric, psychiatric, and general health care practices. If we do not avail ourselves of this information, we are part of the problem, and NOT part of the answer. If we are ignorant of the issues surrounding vulnerbility and causation, we are directly contributing to the epidemic of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

  In the future, we will look back on the pioneering work of Jaquelyn McCandless, and her colleagues such as Teresa Binstock, and the innovative professionals associated with DAN! and similar organizations,and know that this was indeed a turning point in the history of medicine and nursing.

  We have purchased several dozen copies of this book and have distributed it to parents and professionals, and they have been amazed. Parents intuitively know there is much truth to be found in this book. Professionals who read it with an open mind often come around and start to pay attention to data rather than dogma.

  Invest a few hours reading this book. It will change the life of someone you love, or someone with whose care and development you are entrusted.
  
  

• Use caution in laying all your hopes on yet another "cure."

  
  By A1BGMGCXUC8BAT on 2005-04-17
  My almost-6 year old daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and we took a multi-pronged approach, including things like supplements, a GFCF diet, and OT/PT/speech. After a year on the GFCF diet and many specialized supplements and no change in behaviors, we went back to a normal diet with standard vitamin supplements and continued her behavioral therapies.
  
  Our close friends' daughter, now age 4 and also diagnosed with autism, took a similar approach, but even more strict, following the DAN protocol as well as the recommendations of this book, including chelation, a dizzying array of supplements, GFCF diet, OT/PT/Speech, ABA, etc.
  
  While our child has made tremenous advances, or friends' child has not, beyond minor advances related to her age--at 4, she is still non-verbal, far from potty trained, exhibits many repetitive behaviors, and needs constant verbal and visual cues for the simplest tasks.
  
  The point I am trying to make is that every child is different and no one, NO ONE has shown that one course of therapy cures or even convincingly improves a significant percentage of children with autism. Autism, as most of you likely know well, is a catch-all term. Our friends' daughter no doubt has a very different kind of pathology than ours. I have yet to really see a book or study address that fact first and foremost before offering a course of action, rather than immediately launching into predictions of one "cure" for a broad range of issues.
  
  While I do think some of what the author recommends can be helpful (and it really may offer a tremendous help for some children with autism), some of the therapies (like chelation) can be very dangerous--in fact, I have yet to see one of the many families who tried chelation therapy see *any* improvement in their child's symptoms. I have seen more success with GFCF diets (for a small percentage of children), but the greatest success seems to come with comprehensive behavioral therapy.
  
  I certainly understand where families are coming from--I have been there myself, but treating your child like a guinea pig and attempting to "cure" them with multiple substances that have had very little study/peer review in a desperate frenzy of worry is both dangerous to their bodies and destructive to their emotions. As with anything, balance is your approach will serve you and your child well.
  
  

• This book could change your child's life forever!

  
  By AKR14TC19OIS9 on 2003-11-14
  I have a child diagnosed with autism. We were given two books to read; one from a friend ("Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help"), and one was given to us by our Regional Center (can't remember the name right now).

  I didn't like those books very much, because I felt they were dealing with MY feelings and fears. But it's my son that needs help! My first priority is to do what I can to help my son, not do what I can to help me feel better about how or why this has happened. I, and he, simply don't have time to spare, we need to start addressing his problems now, while he is still young.

  "Children with Starving Brains" was a real page-turner for me. Yes, it can get somewhat technical. But it is written for parents, not doctors. Why? Because the doctors that follow the approaches listed in this book are all really, really busy with waiting lists of patients. Why? Because biomedical treatment for autism works!

  When we first started down this road of autism, I wanted someone or something to tell me what to do. I found this book told me exactly that. And now that we are on this course, our son is making constant improvements. This is not the only book I've read, but this is the one that really got us started down the road to recovery.

  I think every parent of an autistic child could benefit from taking a look at this book.
  
  

• Not just for Autistic Kids

  
  By A1CAJ6MDPACT6W on 2004-08-13
  My son is developmentally delayed with expressive receptive speech delays and sensory integration disorder and he is making great gains with the help of this informative book and his DAN! doctor and nutitionist. My husband (who is reluctantly supportive of this approach) said yesterday: "he is talking so nicely, whatever it is your giving him, it's working." Note: my son is on a GFCF diet (no gluten or casein) and taking many of the supplements recommended and explained in this very important and informative book.
  
  

• A Must-Have For Parents of Children with Autism

  
  By ACB86ROQ4E8LH on 2003-01-09
  If you are a parent of a child with Autism this book is an absolute must-have! Dr. McCandless' book is the most up-to-date guide on treating children with Autism biomedically. Her book is easily understandable and well writtten. I have followed the recommendations within her book to a "T" with my 26 month old ASD daughter. My daughter's response to these interventions have been nothing short of miraculous. Dr. McCandless is an absolute God send! **Please remember that everyone is different and that each individual will respond differently to these interventions**, but because these are so safe and easily adaptable - it is definitely worth giving it a try! My only regret is not getting this book sooner!
  
  
• Hope in my Darkest Hour
  By on 2003-12-09
  This book is the answer for starting to cure your child who has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder? Think of any disease or syndrome that is caused by chemicals in the brain not working correctly. My 5 year old was diagnosed with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a lesser form of Autism), OCD and ADHD, since doing the tests recommended in the book and beginning the usually very simple and safe treatments, our daughter has made huge leaps in development and has lost ALL of her diagnoses. In fact, we just received our first-ever teacher review that said our daughter was a completely normal 6 year old--no developmental, behavioral or emotional issues of any kind! This book provided hope in my darkest hour, and the books advice has followed through with real results. I've spoken with many parents whose children have lost their ASD diagnosis using the treatments in this book.

  I stumbled upon this book after 2 years of expensive doctors and tests, all of which concluded that she had Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD. All of those doctors wanted me to medicate her symptoms, but none could offer information on the CAUSE of these diseases or medication to address the CAUSES. I always left the office wondering "why was she normal before 2 years of age and not now? What is causing the chemicals in her brain to not work correctly so that she displays Autistic, OCD and ADHD symptoms?" Many dollars later, I read this book. I immediately found a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor and asked her to do the tests and begin the treatments discussed in this book. We reached the light at the end of the tunnel! This book is not meant to take care of parents emotional issues, it is strictly information on the causes and cures that Dr. McCandless and other DAN doctors have found that work on ASD children, which is exactly what I needed in order to help my child have a normal future. Hooray for Dr. McCandless and the pioneering DAN doctors!
  
  

• Difficult read, too much guilt
  By A1CM8DKC7POJZ7 on 2003-09-20
  While reading this book, I managed to plow through all the technical, impersonal,and rather robotic writing. However, as a mother of an autistic son, I found it quite disturbing to read of all the probable "causes" - whether true or debatable - that may have caused my sons handicap while I was pregnant. If one scrutanizes all the toxins, contaminations, vaccinations (infant), viruses and diets that could lead to autism; surely every mother has reason to feel guilt in exposing their child, whether their infant was born with or without a handicap. I believe this book is well researched and accurate in scientific studies. I know, however, the coldness and lack of humanity in Ms. McCandless' writing should be reserved for term papers and science books. I would suggest for parents that are trying to cope as well as learn about autism, energy is better spent reading books with a more uplifting and inspiring tone instead of this - which left a taste in my mouth of what I did wrong and such a strict regimine of "dealing" with this disorder. This is a hard read if you are a parent of a handicapped child seeking information in a sensitive, uplifting fashion.
  
  
• Autism Biomedical Treatment 101
  By A1AQK4BN6TI79I on 2003-10-07
  As a mother of 2 children within the ASD spectrum, Dr. McCandless has put together much information all in one book that it took me over three years to research on my own.

  My first son, vaccine injured by thimerasol and now suffering from confirmed MMR induced colitis has made HUGE gains from the biomedical therapies out there that many standard doctors do not know about.

  Dr. McCandless, a grandmother to a child with autism, changed her pratice to start helping others affected with this disorder. This maybe not the most personable book, but I have seen her on many online support groups lending her knowledge and support to many parents and families. She is an amazing,very knowledgable giving woman.

  I highly recommend this book. As an autism treatment guide - like a school course Autism 101. I do have a medical background so the reading wasn't to technical for me.

  I have seen first had what the diet, supplements, chelation, and other biomedical treatments may do for a child. I think every parent has a right to decide which therapies to look into for the course of treatment for their children.

  I praise Dr. McCandless for rising to the occasion and not treading so lightly on topics that make some doctors cringe.

  The local doctors here refused to test my sons' digestion problems. Two years later after seeing a Ped. GI Doctor that was aware of the DAN, he was found to be suffering from an infection in his stomach and colitis in his colon. The gains from treating these two illnesses that co-exist with his autism have proven HUGE gains in his health and other family life as a whole.

  I just wish more professionals would look beyond the autism label and really consider the "symptoms" a child presents with.

  I realize not every treatment option works for every child. I consider myself lucky with help of researchers and Doctors like McCandless my sons' quailty of living are improving.
  
  

• Thank God for books like this!!!
  By A2HKA6OICRVLQ1 on 2005-09-27
  This is likely one of the best if not THE best book for parents on biomedical issues in children with Autism. It is so easy to understand. I have an 11 year old son that was diagnosed at age 5 with ASD. He showed no improvement through to about age 7 when I took it upon myself to find ways to help him. With this book and strategies from Nathan Ory, Dr.Mercola and Steven Gutstein (all avail through a web search) as well as the DAN protocol, I can honestly say NO-ONE that meets my son now believes he has or ever had an autism diagnosis or anything for that matter!! He is sweet, affectionate, articulate, out going, funny, and HEALTHY. My best advise to all parents new to Autism is "Trust your own instincts and read everything you can, especially books like this one!!"
  
  
• Promising, but not yet there
  By on 2002-11-12
  What "Children with Starving Brains" gives is an up-to-date (2002) review of possible bio-medical causes of autism, and for each cause, a relevant course of treatment. The book gives an overview of such causal theories such as leaky-gut, viral infection, heavy metal poisoning, and more. This is the first book I've seen that lists specific and mostly common medical diagnostic tests of blood, urine, stool, and how these tests can suggest a possible bio-medical cause and thus a relevant course of treatment. This is certainly a more reasoned approach to treatment than the older "just try everything until something works".

  There are several red flags, though. The author's 14th granddaughter was diagnosed in 1996, and from that time she switched her medical specialty to autism. The book is largely based on her own reading, discussions and clinical experience over the last six years. Somehow, six years doesn't seem long enough to be sufficiently expert on autism treatment to write a book. Her conviction that most cases of autism have a bio-medical cause, and that these autism will be reversed when the cause is removed seems more dogmatic than factual. She cites statistics like "90% of autism has some bio-medical cause" and "bio-medical treatments are more effective before age 5", but she doesn't include the source of these facts, leading me to believe she is relying more on her own observations than on studies. Without any evidence she includes ADD, ADHD and dyslexia in the autism spectrum throughout the book, suggesting the same root causes and treatments for these disorders. The tone of the book alternately reflects the title, then the subtitle: sometimes leaning towards the sensational and emotional, other times the clinical and factual. Strangely, an appendix presents the argument to just accept individuals with autism as they are, and not treat their condition. Overall, however, the book keeps perspective and balance, which keeps it credible.

  The only mention of ABA (which I personally advocate for) I could find in the book was in the foreword. The author thanks numerous people at length. Second on the list the author thanks Dr. Lovaas, noting that her granddaughter greatly benefited from ABA treatment. I wish the author had emphasized this point a little more strongly throughout the book. Removing the cause of autism is important, but these children still need intervention to help them adapt around any neurological damage caused before being cured, and to help them catch up to their peers.

  Overall, the proponents of the bio-medical causes of autism need to keep working on the theory and treatment of autism. Broadly, this book indicates that bio-medical theories of autism have developed a great deal and will continue to do so. A few more years, and maybe some of these causality theories will be conclusively proven right, and the corresponding treatments shown to be wonderfully effective. Until then, parents should be aware of such options, but continue to make their treatment decisions carefully.
  
  

• A heartbreaking story of a Grandmother's search to help her autistic grandchild.
  By ADXMU42IP7ERY on 2005-09-30
  Dr. McCandless tells about her quest to help her beautiful grand-daughter as they struggle with the diagnosis of autism. This book is full of very useful information regarding the trials and tribulations associated with the long road ahead for many children diagnosed with ASD, PDD, and other related autism disorders. Dr. McCandless has given an insight as to possible treatments today. I ordered three books and gave one to my grandson's pediatrician to read! Some doctors haven't a clue.
  Grandparents hurt twice as much.... once for their children and then for their grandchildren.
  
  
• I am an adult who is HFA
  By A2RKFAU9957TZ6 on 2007-12-12
  High Functioning Autistic, for those who aren't yet familiar with the terminology. I have an adult diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, despite the fact that echolalia was my primary form of communication until I was 8, and I couldn't form a sentence on my own until that age.
  
  I enjoy being who I am, and I view autism as an essential part of my personality. I do not want to be "cured". That does not mean I do not want any of my symptoms to go away. I should add that this is more a review of the treatment approach recommended by the book than of the book itself.
  
  I started experimenting with the biomedical approach to treating myself 5 years ago. I began with what is basically the Feingold Diet - removing all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. I stopped having seizures (except for one time, when I accidentally had some Yellow #5 and began seizing about half an hour later, I went through everything I ate and drank that day two days later after staying in bed before finding the trigger). It helped me a lot with issues of emotional lability (sudden changes in mood). I also started to sleep a little bit better, and lost 15 pounds of the extra weight I had gained (I weighed 185 when I first started with biomedical approaches).
  
  Fast forward two years. I was happy with what I had gained from Feingold, and read Lisa Lewis' book on GFCF diet and found myself. As a child, I had consumed a gallon or more of milk per day, and as an adult, still ate cheese or yoghurt on a daily basis. Giving up all milk products allowed me to start looking people in the eyes for the first time in my life, notice facial expressions (though not process what they mean), and removed a lot of the haziness I had always experienced.
  
  Almost two years ago, I went gluten free as well. I didn't notice any major improvements... although I did start reading body language a little better. What I did notice is that about 3 months after I went gluten free I broke out all over my body, a good sign of toxin release in me... and that attempted reintroduction and later accidental exposure to gluten made me feel extremely ill. The last time I accidentally had some gluten, I broke out in open sores all over my body. The other thing is that all the vitamins I had been taking finally started to do me some good, probably because I was absorbing them for the first time ever. Due to my symptomology, I highly suspect I have had undiagnosed Celiac disease for my entire life...
  
  About a year ago, I removed soy. I didn't notice any improvements from it, but when I tried to reintroduce any soy, found it caused severe intestinal problems. Accidental consumption of soy tends to lead to me spending the rest of the day in the bathroom. Incidentally, I dropped 15 pounds more.
  
  I "accidentally" ended up removing eggs, then found out that they made me feel sick when I reintroduced them, and also caused some intestinal issues.
  
  Another "accidental" removal - nuts. I just didn't feel like eating anything with nuts for a while, and when I had a product containing nuts a couple months later, I had some absence seizures the following day. Tried repeating it with a different nut several months ago, had the same side effect. I also lost 15 pounds.
  
  I'm still working on getting the mercury amalgam out of my mouth, so I can't say too much about it.
  
  However, I had SEVERE lead poisoning - to the point where I had to have my cataracts removed when I was 30. I underwent oral chelation with DMSA (supplemented with potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, to help offset any possible negative effects), and had some definite increases in attention span and ability to sleep. These were temporary, but helpful at the time. I plan do another couple rounds of DMSA after I finish getting the amalgam fillings out of my mouth.
  
  If I forget to take my EFAs I tend to stutter and ticque more. I take about 1500 mcgs of B12 every day, and have a hard time even getting out of bed without it. I take megadoses of several other vitamins, some mineral supplements, and etc., but those are the most obviously helpful.
  
  My current weight is a relatively healthy 133 pounds, from a starting high of 185. Not a bad side-effect, though not one I was intending.
  
  So, for those of you who discount the biomedical treatments, give them a truly serious try with your child before you blow it off. If nothing else, it can't hurt and might help, which is a lot better than what I can say about the psychiatric medications that are available. I admit to being fanatic enough that I even read the ingredient lists of my shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, lotion, and other "external" use products, but have found that gluten, soy, and artificial ingredients in these negatively affect my health. Good luck, and I sincerely hope your children don't have as many sensitivities as I do.
  
  
• A must have for bio-medical approach
  By A2KO6WC09OGUJR on 2006-03-23
  The author of this book is the grandmother of an autistic little girl and a doctor.
  She tried about everything on her granddaughter and is talking from experience !....
  This book is about bio-medical approach in autism and covers topics such as the leaky gut syndrome, yeast overgrowth, vitamins & supplements, heavy metals, gluten & caseine intolerance...etc...
  It's very interesting, informative, and yet it's accessible to everyone. (You can read it even if you were sleeping during science class !)
  
  This book will help you understand what you can do (and how to do so) to improve your child's health, it will enable you to understand better your doctor's decision regarding your child, and best of all it will most likely push you to seek a qualified professional advice, someone that can give your child this comprehensive approach for autism and PDD (aka a DAN doctor).
  You can find a listing of DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctors on the Autism Research Institute website (http://www.autismwebsite.com/ari).
  
  This book is about hope and healing, not about selling you a miracle cure ! It's about explaining to you why some things happen with our children and how to improve or correct it !
  
  It's a must have for every parent considering this approach and I'd say a must have for every pediatrician who doesn't know a thing about autism, unfortunately they're legion...
  
  Take this step toward your child's recovery !
  
  
  
• Practitioners and Parents; the help you are seeking is here:
  By AX84SNIPUMYKK on 2003-05-02
  This book could quite possibly change your child's life, your family's future or your professional ability to avoid iatrogenic tragedies, and HELP children impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD).

  Jaquelyn McCandless has done yeoman's work in researchng, synthesizing, and applying cutting edge scientific theory and research to develop a road map to the restoration of health of people with ASD. She has clearly chronicled the most recent, successful, and exciting developments and insights that make it possible to actually help children AND adults with ASD.

  In our practice, we treat 100 adults and 75 children with ASD, and use Dr. McCandless' book as our "workhorse" reference. We have also purchased dozens of copies of the book, and given it to parents to read as an excellent introduction and guide to the treatment they are about to undertake. They get a quick, strong, succinct educaton concerning what has made their child sick, and how we are cooperatively going to go about returning their child to his/her highest state of health. Parents love this book, and professionals NEED TO LEARN how to use the information and insights it generously offers.

  The good news is also that the book is imminently readable, and easy to share with your family, friends, pediatrician, teachers, early intervention staff, nutritionist, psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, and circle of "Doubting Thomases". It is an especially powerful tool for parents to take to medical appointments for on-the-spot information and credibility. It's all there. Show it to the clinician. You'll soon know whether the people you are entrusting with your child's health are motivated to pay attention to data or dogma.

  Do yourself and your child (or adult family member with ASD)an immense favor. Get this book, read it, re-read it, live it, and have your child's treatment based on it. Your child will thank you for it.
  
  

• Finally a book that helps our kids with Autism get better!!
  By A1MTKWPWG2LUBE on 2004-02-12
  If I were to pass along only one book to a parent who has just had their child diagnosed with Autism, this would be it! (And I have dozens on Autism.) This book gives you many pieces to the complex puzzle of Autism all in one book. Each child is different and Dr. McCandless has done a great job of covering so many options and so much material that it's bound to help every parent who reads it. Is it accepted by traditional mainstream medicine? No, but it works and it should be. Sometime not too far in the future, it will be. Interventions from this book, including a change in diet, vitamins, chelation and others, have helped my 2 kids tremendously. It has made them healthier, happier children and our lives much much better. Don't just take my word for it. Buy it yourself and watch as your child improves with these interventions. We're very blessed to have doctors like Dr. McCandless who are willing to write a book such as this to help parents help their own children start to get better. It's the first step to finding some answers for you and your child.
  
  
• I recommend Dr. McCandless' book endlessly
  By on 2004-02-15
  This book is empowering. Dr. McCandless clearly outlines the steps that parents can take on their own to begin the healing process for their child. Her experience and the input of her husband, Jack Zimmerman, is deeply touching as they recount their challenges in healing their beloved granddaughter, Chelsey.

  Whether you are already working with a physician to restore your child's neurological and physcial health or are just beginning on this journey, I highly recommend this book as your guide. Dr. McCandless concisely written text is easy to understand, practical and provides many references for those who would like to read the original studies on which her work is based.

  We have been following Dr. McCandless' protocol for nearly 1.5 years for my ASD son. He has made remarkable progress and we are confident of his full recovery. We could not have done it without the information that Dr. McCandless has provided. Thankfully, Dr. McCandless now devotes most of her time training other physicians so that they can heal ASD kids in their community.
  
  

• Best Medical Treatment Guide for Autism
  By A19K374LX5YYHZ on 2005-08-24
  This is the best Medical Treatment Guide for Autism that I have read. It is written by a doctor whose granddaughter has autism. One can feel the passion of her desperate search for help and the sense that "no stone has been left unturned." It is an in depth explanation of anything that might possibly help. I highly recommend this book.
  
  A grandmother, mother and wife of 3 loved ones struggling with this disorder in the form of Asperger's Syndrome
  
  
• The "how to" book of treating autism
  By API72FH4QDALA on 2004-01-22
  This was the first book I bought when I learned my child might have autism. It has become my bible. This book clearly describes the steps one should take to treat autism biomedically (with the help of a doctor of course). It offers hope and motivation to parents who are not content with the grim and hopeless prognosis most doctors give their children. This book is not a magic cure-all, treating autism can be a long difficult task but for those unwilling to accept that the autism epidemic is due to better diagnosing or that it is a purely genetic disorder - this book is for you. I also recommend buying "Treating Autism" at the same time for success stories and more information on the biomedical approach. Buying this book was the first step we took in treating our daughter and I am happy to say she has fully recovered!
  
  
• Starving Brains is a must-read!
  By AMT0YF8EGC1TW on 2002-09-27
  If you can only read one book about biomedical interventions for autism, read this one. Dr McCandless has effectively described the most useful treatment processes for autism and pdd, in both a concise and informative way.

  We have been treating our son biomedically for several years, we've put in many hundreds of hours of research, visited many physicians and eventually and fortunately distilled our research and treatment to the protocols described in this book. And it works - our son has made enormous gains. Autism can indeed be effectively treated biomedically, and this book is the best on the subject I've yet seen.

  Causation theories, dietary interventions, heavy metal chelation, vitamin supplementation, viral problems and treatment, yeast and bacterial problems and treatment, and much more are all covered thoroughly. Please read this book.

  berk@meridiangeo.com
  
  

• Answers Many Questions
  By A2M702F0LDE74B on 2003-07-11
  This book is very technical, but it is so packed with information that I still refer back to it after reading the whole book through. It started me on the dietary stuff right away, and explained why this would help my child. I also researched the latest stuff on the internet, since this book guided me to new terms I needed to look under. If you have a child with ASD I recommend it, I was glued to it most of the way through. I gave it only 4 stars, because it is difficult to read. I also recommend Unraveling the Mysteries of Autism as it is more reader friendly.
  
  
• This is the best autism book currently available.
  By A18MZXTNWTP1RC on 2003-11-12
  As a parent of two autistic children, I am very concerned with getting the information that will help them come as far as possible out of autism before it is too late. This is absolutely the best help that I have found yet. This is not a book to lift your mood, just to help your autistic child. I recommend the book "Enzymes for Autism and Other Neurological Conditions" by Karen DeFelice also, for those, like me, who can't see eliminating certain foods from the kids' diet and want to supplement with digestive enzymes, instead. I believe that these books have helped my kids more than anything else.
  
  
• Excellent Reference for Biomedical Interventions
  By A2ZS8FKU6W8KLZ on 2004-03-13
  Children with Starving Brains describes what is wrong with ASD children and what you can do to improve the child's condition even if your child's physician knows very little about autism. It is written in clear and understandable "layman's" terms, making it my most used resource. I highly recommend it to parents and to the child's physician.
  
  
• Most Comprehensive Biomedical Treatment book for Autism
  By ABR2OBJWXJR3I on 2005-04-01
  Must have for parents of autistic children. I don't think that the author is claiming that biomedical treatments will cure autism, but it's hard to ignore the improvements that good biomedical treatments can have. Any competent "DAN" doctor follows the same ideas outlined in this book. I think that one-on-one therapies are the most effective in treating autism, but the biomedical component will put you in a lot better position to succeed.
  
  
• A MUST READ BOOK FOR THOSE WANTING TO HELP AUTISTIC CHILD
  By on 2004-02-13
  Dr. McCandless book Children with Starving Brains is such a wealth of information. Being the mother of 2 children with autism, and one with ADHD, I found the book to be very helpful. My oldest daughter is doing chelation therapy right now and has made remarkable progress. This book is easy to read, and a must have for any parent of an autistic/adhd child! Dr. McCandless truly cares about our children, and is amazing.
  
  
• Encyclopedia of Autism Therapies!
  By AC7W17Y88CLAS on 2004-02-13
  This is an excellent book for parents of children with autism who want TO DO SOMETHING to help their child. The book describes and explains how to implement many biomedical interventions for children with autsim. It is written by a doctor who has seen a significant number of children respond extremely well to therapies that are foreign to "mainstream" medicine and provides a resource that parents can take to their children's doctors to help them start healing their kids. Very imformative.
  
  
• A book with ANSWERS AND WHERE TO START!!
  By on 2004-03-25
  Finally, no doom and gloom. Families with ASD kids - a manual on HOW TO. FINALLY! If you want BIOMEDICAL answers and a clear direction on why and how - this book is for you.

  Be sure to provide behavioral and biomedical intervention for your child on the spectrum. Both together make all the difference in the world.

  (...)
  
  

• Essential for all parents of a child on the spectrum
  By A16J5Q8GCSVNOE on 2005-08-12
  This book has become my new "bible" when it comes to helping my two autistic sons. I have been told for years that there is nothing "medicine" can do for my sons and to just get them some therapy for behavior and speech. I always felt that this was wrong and thank God I kept looking for others who agreed with me. This book is extremely informative. Dr. McCandless is so passionate and driven to help. This is so clear from her writing. The way she presents the wealth of information she has is easy to follow and understand. And although getting started on her treatment plan may seem like an overwhelming task, she has broken it down into steps or avenues to take. You may not want or need to follow all of them. She has also includes hundreds of resources in professionals, institutions, doctors, labs, books, websites, etc. I love this book and greatly thank her for it. I have bought it for everyone in my family to read, recommended it to all the parents I know with children on the spectrum, and requested that all the therapists and teachers (and my pediatrician!) currently working with my sons read it. My husband and I have already been able to improve our sons behaviors by following some of her instructions and that is all I need to believe in it. This is a must have for all people either working with or touched my an individual on the autistic spectrum.
  
  
• A Must Have Book!
  By A21G4RE3AST8H8 on 2006-03-17
  If you have a child who is pdd, on the autistic spectrum, add or adhd, has Rett's etc. this book is a must have. It will guide you in the treatment of many neurological disorders. This is information that most m.d.'s don't have the time or inclination to learn. This book is based on years of intensive research in the area of neuroligical toxicity and how to treat it using natural and prescription medications. Many children are being healed of diseases that are thought to be incurable based on this research!
  
  
• disappointing if you want real science
  By on 2004-02-07
  Having worked with children with autism in a medical setting I had hoped that this was going to be a much more serious book. Instead it is a lot of recycled pseudoscience. Parents would be better off investing in interventions that have proven to be effective!
  
  
• An Excellent Resource !
  By on 2004-02-12
  Dr. McCandless, together with researcher Teresa Binstock and Dr. Zimmerman, has given families and doctors a comprehensive, cutting-edge resource to guide our children through the harsh, lonely layers of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her information on causation models can help caretakers channel into an individualized plan of action, plus the unselfish sharing of both personal and clinical experience provides an encouraging safety net as parents venture through trial and error.
  Because each of us has an unique chemistry, a one-size definitive treatment is not ASD-friendly. These pages hold bushels of hope, of which my family grabs daily handfuls. Admittedly, it is challenging to juggle the numerous treatment possibilities, but if the main-stream "can't be done" prognosis is the alternative, we choose the former. I always say, "Never say Never!"
  
  

• Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders
• The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet
• Special Diets for Special Kids
• Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physicians
• Special Diets for Special Kids, Two